Elementary I Mary Ann Swift, RN 732-3610 MSwift@mail.republic.k12.mo.us

Let’s Not Spread Disease We have a large number of students at E-I & it is easy to spread germs.There are some things you can do to help your child stay healthy: 1.    Handwashing is the most important step in not spreading disease. Reinforce to your child that they must wash their hands after coughing or sneezing, after using the restroom, before eating, after playing with animals, when they come in from playing outside. The proper handwashing technique is washing for 20 sec. with warm water & soap, then drying hands well. 2.    Encourage your child to keep their hands out of their mouths. Children pick up a large amount of germs from touching doorknobs, pencil sharpners, toys,etc. If they touch those items then put their hands in their mouths, they will catch germs. 3.    Teach your child to cover his/her mouth when they cough or sneeze. This will help to prevent the spread airborne disease. 4.    Continually reinforce to your child to NOT put their mouths on the water fountain. 5.    Teach your child to never share food, drinks or eating utensils at school. 6.    Build up your child’s own immune system by making sure they eat healthy food that includes lots of fresh fruit & vegetables. Drink plenty of water & get plenty of sleep. All these things will help them fight off disease causing germs. Medications at School If it becomes necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school, written parental consent MUST be on file in the nurse’s office. The medication must be in its original container. Students are NOT allowed to carry medication on the bus. A parent needs to bring the medicine in to the nurse & sign the appropriate forms. Any prescription medication must have the prescription label on it. DO NOT SEND MEDICINE WITH A CHILD & DO NOT SEND PILLS IN A BAGGIE OR ENVELOPE. When to Keep Your Child at Home Please do not send your child to school if they have any of the following: fever of 100 degrees or above in the last 24 hours, vomiting or diarrhea, persistent cough, unexplained rash, pink or draining eyes. Keeping your child home until they are over their illness will not only protect the other children & staff, but will also help your child build up their own system so they won’t catch another illness.